Postdoctoral Researcher in Translational Cardiometabolic Pharmacology

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

The research will be conducted in a shared and interactive setting between the groups of Volker Lauschke and Mattias Carlström. The Lauschke lab uses 3D cell culture systems of primary human cells, microfluidics and integrative bioinformatics approaches to develop better model systems for prediction of drug toxicity and to identify novel therapeutic strategies for complex metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. In addition, we are interested in understanding the molecular basis of hepatic plasticity in liver injury and regeneration.

The Carlstrom lab explores the pathophysiological mechanisms driving the triad of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic (CKM) disorders, which are increasing global health problems often associated with aging and unhealthy lifestyles. Our research focuses on understanding the role of vascular oxidative stress, nitric oxide (NO) deficiency, and mitochondrial dysfunction, while developing novel dietary and pharmacological therapies. Methodologically, we take a translational approach, spanning from mechanistic in vitro and ex vivo studies to intervention studies in animal disease models and patients with cardiometabolic diseases.

Your mission

The project will be conducted in the frame of the KI Research Incubator (KIRI) and will focus on unveiling the therapeutic potential of novel bioactive nitrogen oxide species (incl. NO-ferroheme and dinitrosyl iron complexes DNIC) in ex vivo organoid models of cardiometabolic disease. Specifically, the successful candidate will evaluate the effects of NO-ferroheme and DNIC in 3D primary human tissue cultures and microphysiological systems established from patients with cardiovascular and metabolic disease and healthy controls. Compound effects will be evaluated using an array of established tissue-specific functional endpoints as well as overall multiOmics signatures. These efforts will for the first time allow to study nutrient and compound clearance in physiologically relevant models.

Your profile

To be eligible for employment as a postdoctor, a PhD or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a Swedish PhD is required. This eligibility requirement must be fulfilled at the latest at the time of the employment decision. Completion of your doctoral degree within the last three years is considered an advantage. If there are special reasons, your degree may have been completed earlier.

Specific requirements for the position in addition to those above:

• Demonstrated theoretical and practical experience in 3D culture of primary human cells and compound screening
• A strong track record in pharmacology, medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical science
• Excellent communication skills and motivation to work collaboratively
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in parallel
• Proficiency in spoken and written English  

What do we offer?

A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. At KI, you get to meet researchers working with a wide range of specialisms and methods, giving you ample opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with the various scientific fields within medicine and health. It is the crossover collaborations, which have pushed KI to where it is today, at the forefront of global research. Several of the people you meet in healthcare are educated at KI. A close relationship with the health care providers is important for creating groundbreaking top quality education and research. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several benefits through our collective agreement.

Location: Solna

https://ki.se/en/research/research-areas-centres-and-networks/research-groups/personalized-medicine-and-drug-development-lauschke-lab

https://ki.se/en/research/research-areas-centres-and-networks/research-groups/microvascular-oxidative-stress-in-the-triad-of-cardiovascular-metabolic-and-renal-disease-mattias-carlstrom-group#tab-start

Application

An employment application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

• PhD certificate
• A complete resumé, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
• A complete list of publications
• A summary of current work (no more than one page)

Welcome to apply at the latest November 9th 2025.

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all!